Midwives’ perceptions of being ‘with woman’: a phenomenological study

Abstract

Background Being ‘with woman’ is a central construct of the midwifery profession however, minimal research has been undertaken to explore the phenomenon from the perspective of midwives. The aim of this study was to describe Western Australian midwives’ perceptions of the phenomenon of being ‘with woman’ during the intrapartum period. Methods Descriptive phenomenology was selected as the methodology for this study. Thirty one midwives working across a variety of care models participated in individual interviews. Giorgi’s four stage phenomenological approach was employed to analyse data. Results Three themes were extracted 1) Essential to professional identity; 2) Partnership with women; and 3) Woman-Centred Practice. Midwives described the importance of being ‘with woman’ to the work and identification of midwifery practice. Developing a connection with the woman and providing woman-centred care inclusive of the woman’s support people was highlighted. Conclusions For the first time, we are able to offer evidence of how midwives understand and perceive the phenomenon of being ‘with woman’ which has theoretical and practical utility. Findings from this study provide evidence that supports expert commentary and confirms that midwives conceptualise the phenomenon of being ‘with woman’ as essential to the identity and practice of the profession. Some previously identified ‘good midwifery practices’ were revealed as practical manifestations of the phenomenon. This new knowledge facilitates clarity and provides evidence to support statements of professional identity, which is useful for the development of educational curricula as well as supporting graduate and professional midwives. The findings emphasise the importance of the development of language around this important philosophical construct which permeates midwifery practice, enhances professional agency and supports the continued emphasis of being ‘with woman’ with new understanding of its applied practices in a variety of care models.

Experience of midwives in providing care to labouring women in varied healthcare settings: A qualitative study

“…Providing women-centred care has been found to be an important construct for midwives to be with woman (Bradfield et al 2019). It is important that factors that threaten the nurse-midwife relationship and diminish the midwife's role in being 'with woman' be addressed.…”

Midwifery students’: Developing an understanding of being ‘with woman’––A qualitative study

“…Australian midwifery students experience a variety of models of care through clinical placement in public and private sector maternity units, group practice, and specialist services, as well as following at least ten women over the childbirth continuum; the continuity of care experience (CCE). The impact of model of care and place of work on midwives' interpretations of being 'with woman' is now beginning to be understood (Bradfield, Hauck, et al, 2019a;Bradfield, Kelly, et al, 2018b;Bradfield, Hauck, et al, 2019c;), however, there is little evidence to describe the student perspective.…”

Causal links to missed Australian midwifery care: What is the evidence?

“…Midwives’ support and empathy toward the mother are crucial ingredients of quality midwifery practice and can play a key role in creating a positive birth experience 7 . Therefore, midwives should provide care that is woman-centred, respectful of the woman’s individual circumstances and views, and serves to strengthen the women’s own capabilities to care for herself and her family 8 , 9 . However, there are factors during labour and birth that can inhibit full partnership between women and midwives.…”